Working From Home - Starting Up and Stepping Out

As we are about to embark on our homeworking partnership with Bytestart, I thought it only right that the topic of this first article should be ‘How to start a home based business.’

So here are the Enterprise Nation four steps to start-up success.

Step 1: What’s the idea?

Before you start a business, you need an idea.

Do you have one? If so, lucky you! Proceed directly to Step 2.

If not, consider these points:

• Think about what you enjoy doing.
• Spot a gap in the market and fill it.
• Do what someone else is doing, but do it better .

Once you have the idea, then you can turn your thoughts to what you need to get up and running. This may involve space (we always recommend that home business owners find some dedicated space in the house) equipment (a laptop/PC, a phone and some home office furniture) and promotion materials (we suggest a mix of online and offline materials)

Step 3: Start selling

No home business is worth its salt without a first sale. Make a list of top contacts (this might include friends and family) and send promotion details to them. Follow up with a sales call and once you have secured that all-important first sale, shout about it!

Step 4: Repeat

Staying in business involves keeping all balls in the air; business development, client service and company admin. This can be tough at times but keep going as there is no better feeling than seeing your home business prosper and grow.

Emma Jones is Managing Director of Redbrick Enterprises Ltd and Editor of the homeworking website at www.enterprisenation.com. Visit the site for information and inspiration and to register for a free fortnightly homeworking e-news, podcast and forum access.